Riyan Parag has garnered a reputation for stirring controversy with his outspoken remarks, which occasionally lead to backlash from fans. Recently, he sparked controversy by stating that he would not watch Team India’s matches in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 simply because he was not selected for the squad. Despite his desire to represent his country in the World Cup, Parag admitted he preferred not to watch the games after being overlooked by selectors, despite his strong performance in the IPL. This statement reflected both his ambition to play on the international stage and his disappointment at being excluded from the tournament.
Although the uncapped batsman was not really in contention for a spot in the World Cup squad, he might have fancied his chances after enjoying a breakthrough season in the IPL. After failing to live up to the expectations in the previous seasons of the IPL, the Assam star scored 573 runs with the help of 4 half-centuries in IPL 2024. He was the third-highest run-scorer in the competition.
“I’m actually not going to watch. I will only watch the final. I don’t want to watch cricket anymore because I want to play the World Cup. I think it’s a good feeling. I want to play the World Cup, play for the country,” Riyan Parag had said during a chat on TRS Podcast.
Predictably, Riyan Parag received significant backlash from fans for his remarks, with many questioning his commitment to the national cause following his surprising comments. Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth also joined in criticizing the Rajasthan Royals player for his statements.
Riyan Parag reacts to India’s triumph:
Team India achieved a historic milestone by securing victory in the T20 World Cup last week, putting an end to years of longing. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the Men in Blue triumphed in the ICC competition, overcoming South Africa in a closely contested final by a margin of 7 runs. This win marked India’s first triumph in an ICC tournament in 17 years, sparking jubilation and pride across the nation. The team’s perseverance and skill were on full display throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable victory that will be remembered for years to come in the annals of Indian cricket history.
Amidst the nationwide euphoria over India’s landmark victory in the T20 World Cup, Riyan Parag shared his sentiments in a video released by the BCCI. He expressed his belief that the World Cup triumph would serve as a catalyst for inspiration and motivation among young aspiring cricketers throughout the country. Parag highlighted the impact of such monumental achievements in igniting passion and ambition among the youth, emphasizing the role of Team India’s success in shaping future generations of cricketing talent across India.
“It’s an inspiration for all of us, all the young players that are here in the team. To win a Cup, to win something that is this big in stature, it going to be motivating for all of us and all the youngsters that play cricket in India,” said Riyan Parag.
At present, Riyan Parag finds himself in Zimbabwe for the upcoming five-match T20I series against the hosts. This marks his first inclusion in the Indian squad, presenting an opportunity for him to potentially debut in the series. The selectors have opted for a young lineup for the upcoming matches, with Shubman Gill entrusted with the captaincy responsibilities. Scheduled from July 6 to 14, the series promises to be a significant opportunity for emerging talents to showcase their skills on the international stage.
